Former Konishi Family Residence

The Konishi Family Residence (Main House)—formerly the headquarters building of the old Konishi Gisuke Shoten—is the former head office of Konishi Gisuke Shoten, the predecessor of Konishi Co., Ltd., well known for its “Bond” adhesives. It was completed in 1903. Since Konishi Gisuke Shoten originally started as a company selling medicines, the building stands in Doshomachi, an area known as a “pharmaceutical district.” The site area is about 1,060 square meters. The main house is built in an “omoteya-zukuri” style, with a courtyard between the shop and living quarters—an architectural style commonly seen in Kyoto townhouses. The exterior is a fire-resistant earthen storehouse (dozo) construction using the “nurigome” method. Although it was originally three stories when completed, the third floor was removed in 1923, giving it its current form. On the grounds there are also storehouses for clothing, chemicals, and food. Unfortunately, it can only be viewed from outside, but it is quite rare for a wooden building from this era to remain largely in its original condition. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2001. It is also known as a setting for Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s novel *Shunkinshō*.